Brahms composed his Second Symphony in an idyllic setting, beside a lake in southern Austria. Not surprisingly, this is a luminous and pastoral work, described by a friend as “all rippling streams, blue skies and sunshine”. It was written in a burst of inspiration during the summer of 1877, with an ease that the composer himself associated with the fertility of the place, where there were “so many melodies floating around that one had to be careful not to step on any”. This appeased the threat of Beethoven’s symphonic legacy, which had so intimidated Brahms until he wrote his first symphony – not least because he was considered the German master’s principal heir. Joy and charm permeate this work, which will be presented in this concert with commentary, conducted by Michael Sanderling.